I like the idea of the surf and turf for dinner but depending on how many guests, I would serve individual Cornish hens with your favorite side dishes – for example – garlic mashed potatoes, bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, glazed carrots.

Hi Diane, my mother-in-law introduced me to your site for the Feast of St. Joseph, and I am warmed by the fond memories of your Italian family, and reminded of my own. My son is having his confirmation soon; do you have decorative ideas for the dinner and desserts tables? and foods? So far, I am thinking cheese and salami tray, antipasta, pizza, then rigatoni with marinara, cavatapi with parmasan, pollo al limon (sp? lemon chicken) sausage with peppers and onions, and a variety of cakes and chcolate for desserts, and wine. Thank you, Rose

Hi Rose, Thank you for your kind words….A few ideas came to mind for your son’s party (Congratulations on his Confirmation).
First the appetizers- I like to serve my antipasto on wood and stoneware. I am going to give you a visual from my “Dreaming of Tuscany” post (6/19/16). I have attached the link so you can scan the pictures for some ideas.https://dishingwithdiane.com/2016/06/19/dreaming-of-tuscany/

Another idea I had was that you can make a centerpiece from macaroni in vases (it saves space and you can odd shape and colored macaroni to add some interest) and make a terrific tomato tart as part of the appetizers. A picture will give you a better idea of what I am talking about so I am also attaching the link to another post of mine “My Comfort Food” (1/29/17). There you find the centerpiece idea, serving ideas and recipes for both the tomato tart and crusty baked rigatoni.https://dishingwithdiane.com/2017/01/29/my-comfort-food-macaroni/

If you are making the table for dinner a buffet, I start on one side with the plates, cutlery, napkins, bread….salads at the end cap…2nd side, cold food, hot food and heros. I find that beverages and desserts work best as a separate table.

I hope I gave you some helpful advice. I have a recipe index on the top of my home page and you can scan to see if you are interested in any of my recipes.
Please let me know if any of these ideas help you….Thank you for reading the blog and I hope you become a member. Stay well, Diane